Why is it important to keep a safe distance from large vehicles?

Keeping a safe distance from large vehicles is crucial primarily because of their blind spots. Large trucks and buses have significant areas around them where a driver may not be visible in their mirrors, making it difficult for them to detect smaller vehicles. If you follow too closely, you may position your vehicle in one of these blind spots, increasing the likelihood of an accident. By maintaining a safe distance, you ensure that you can be seen by the driver of the large vehicle, which promotes safe driving and helps prevent collisions.

The other options do not correctly reflect the importance of maintaining distance from larger vehicles. Faster lane changes are not typically a reason to reduce distance; rather, careful lane changes should include ensuring visibility and safety. Tailgating is an unsafe practice that should always be avoided, as it increases the risk of rear-end collisions. Finally, while keeping a safe distance does make it easier to respond to sudden stops, this is a secondary consideration compared to the visibility issues related to blind spots.